Editorial: An argument for the arts
Recognizing the value of creative careers that society often brushes over.
As a child, “what do you want to be when you grow up?” was a fun question. You could say anything you wanted—even “unicorn”—and people would smile and approve. As a young adult, that question carries more weight. Sure, people might smile at whatever you say still, but they tend to be less impressed by something like “writer” than if you were to say “doctor.”
Perhaps some people look down on arts because it does not seem like a necessity, or perhaps because the salary is often not as high as it would be in the fields of medicine and science. But doesn’t an arts career deserve recognition as well?
It is easy to compare arts to other fields and say it is all fun and not difficult, but it is also easy to forget all the work behind the countless productions that we consume. A writer stares at a computer screen for hours, pondering over a blank document. An actor memorizes every detail and line for their role, bringing life to a performance. A dancer strains their body by practicing for hours, perfecting choreography for the stage. An artist draws the same stroke over and over, polishing the creation of their vision.
Art has always been a way for humans to express themselves and evolve; it is a timeless mosaic of multiple generations and a multitude of voices. For many people, having a creative outlet or even indulging in other people’s creations can be life-changing. As Pablo Picasso once said, “Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.”
There is no doubt that medicine and science are crucial for survival, but what is the point in surviving if there is nothing to enjoy in life?
